North Carolina News: Item 2142 - Rule .2512 Governing Pharmacist Work Hours and Breaks Now Effective

July 1, 2007 3:28 PM Topics: Pharmacists

Reprinted from the July 2007 North Carolina Board of Pharmacy Newsletter.

21 NCAC 46.2512 became effective on April 1, 2007. The rule, entitled “Pharmacist Work Conditions,” provides:

A permit holder shall not require a pharmacist to work longer than 12 continuous hours per work day. A pharmacist working longer than six continuous hours per work day shall be allowed during that time period to take a 30 minute meal break and one additional 15 minute break.

At its April 17, 2007 meeting, the Board voted to allow a six-month “grace” period for implementation. Accordingly, Board staff will begin enforcing the rule on October 1, 2007. Board staff strongly encourages employers to use this time to make any necessary changes to work schedules.